Three little words. That\’s what makes the difference between a religious school and a synagogue, as recently defined by the Los Angeles Central Area Planning Commission.
The five-member Planning Commission, responsible for zoning decisions in Hollywood, Hancock Park and other neighborhoods, made its decision Aug. 28 in a hearing regarding Yavneh Hebrew Academy.
In April, Yavneh had submitted an application for a number of changes to the K-8 school\’s zoning conditions, including adding a ninth grade for girls and allowing prayer services Saturday mornings. In June, after consulting with nearby residents, traffic consultants and architects, Associate Zoning Administrator Dan Green approved all but one of Yavneh\’s proposed changes. The request \”to authorize Saturday prayer for students, parents, relatives and other guests\” was denied.